Who we are

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Ofgem is the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets. We are a non-ministerial government department and an independent National Regulatory Authority, recognised by EU Directives. Our principal objective when carrying out our functions is to protect the interests of existing and future electricity and gas consumers. We do this in a variety of ways including:

promoting value for money

promoting security of supply and sustainability, for present and future generations of consumers, domestic and industrial users

the supervision and development of markets and competition

regulation and the delivery of government schemes.

We work effectively with, but are independent of, government, the energy industry and other stakeholders within a legal framework determined by the UK government and the European Union.

How are we governed?

We are governed by the Gas and Electricity Markets Authority (GEMA). This consists of non-executive and executive members and a non-executive chair. Non-executive members bring experience and expertise from a range of areas including:

industry

economics

consumer and social policy

science and the environment

finance and investment

European energy issues.

The Authority determines strategy, sets policy priorities and makes decisions on a wide range of regulatory matters, including price controls and enforcement. The Authority's powers are provided for under the following: